§ Mr. Menzies CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his programme for ordering Type 23 frigates for 1990, 1991 and 1992.
§ Mr. SainsburyTenders have recently been invited for a batch of up to four type 23s. Decisions will be taken on the precise size and timing of the order after the tenders have been received, evaluated and fully analysed. In the longer term, we have plans to place sufficient orders to maintain a force of about 50 destroyers and frigates.